Dutch side, Ajax is bidding to recruit Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey from Scottish Premiership giants Rangers FC this summer.
Bassey is the preferred replacement for Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez by the Eredivisie champions. Martinez is off to Manchester United, while Ajax is preparing to sign Bassey as a possible replacement.
Bassey is seen by the four-time European winners as the ideal alternative for the defender from Argentina. Bassey can play in a three-man defense and is a left-footed defender like Martinez.
While the Dutch champions are yet to make an official bid, several reports say they have made a formal approach from the highly-rated Super Eagles centre-back.
According to ScotMailSport, Ajax have contacted Rangers over the signing of Bassey and are ready to make a bid of £19m (₦9.3b) plus add-ons for the 22-year-old defender.
The Seagulls want a young and vibrant centre-back as their first two choices in that position are in their 30s. And with Bassey, Brighton see the Nigerian international as a perfect fit.
The Seagulls have also made an approach to sign the Nigerian international but are only prepared to offer £16m (₦7.8b) for the Super Eagles star.
However, Rangers will likely reject both Ajax and Brighton’s offers as they will only consider selling Bassey for a fee in the region of £25m.
Following his outstanding performances last season, Bassey is undoubtedly the Rangers’ most valuable asset. In both league and European competitions last season, the young Nigerian was among the club’s top players.
Last season, Bassey was a key contributor as Rangers advanced to the Europa League final. He was selected for the season’s best team as a result of his performance in the competition.
For his performances last year, Bassey also won Rangers’ young player of the season title. The 22-year-old signed a two-year contract when he transferred from Leicester to Rangers in 2020.
